Possibilities of developing novel potent antitumor agents from the leaves of Cryptomaria japonica

<p>During past few decades cancer has remained as the largest cause of mortality worldwide and number of patients suffering from cancer has been increasing at a fast rate. Hence medical research during the last few decades has been concentrating on identification and characterization of new synthetic pharmacological compounds to overcome this enormous problem. Leaf extracts of coniferous plant <em>Cryptomeria japonica</em> being known for their strong antibacterial and antifungal functions were selected to determine their antitumor/anticancer potentialities.</p><p>Methanolic extract of leaves were tested to determine its antitumor action in standard murine model of Ehrlich Ascites Carcinoma (EAC). Graded doses of the extract were given intraperitoneally to batches of mice, who received EAC challenge after 3hr. Treatment with same amounts of extract was continued for 9 consecutive days. Protective capacity of the leaf extract was evaluated in animals.</p><p>Statistically significant protection was observed with respect to different parameters including tumor volume , tumor cell count , viable tumor cell count, non- viable tumor cell count , mean survival time and increase in life span. Simultaneously hematological parameters were restored in treated mice vis-à-vis untreated control animals. Furthermore, the extract revealed distinct cytotoxic property, which may be the relevant reason of its anticancer/antitumor function.</p>This study shows efficacy of methanolic extract of leaves of <em>Cryptomeria japonica </em>as a probable antitumor/anticancer agent. Phytochemical analysis of the extract showed presence of flavonoids, which are known to possess significant anticancer activity. Thus there is a definite possibility of developing novel anticancer drugs from such plant products

Antitumor potential of Citrus limetta fruit peel in Ehrlich ascites carcinoma bearing Swiss albino mice

<em>Citrus limetta </em>Risso (Rutaceae), commonly known as sweet lime in English and <em>Mousambi</em> in India, has been traditionally used for several medicinal purposes. This study explored the relationship between <em>Citrus limetta </em>fruit peel and its antitumor activity against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) bearing mice. The antitumor activity of methanol extract of peel of <em>Citrus limetta</em> fruits (MECL) was evaluated against EAC cell line in Swiss albino mice. Twenty-four hours after intraperitoneal inoculation of tumor EAC cells in mice, MECL was administered at 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight i.p. daily for nine consecutive days. On the 10th day, half of the mice were sacrificed for the estimation of tumor growth (tumor volume, viable and non-viable tumor cell counts), and hematologic parameters (red blood cells, white blood cells and hemoglobin). The rest were kept alive for assessment of survival parameters, <em>i.e. </em>median survival time and percentage increase in life span of EAC bearing mice. Intraperitoneal administration of MECL at the doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg for nine days to the carcinoma induced mice demonstrated a significant (P&lt;0.001) decrease in tumor volume, viable tumor cell count, tumor weight and a significant (P&lt;0.001) improvement in hematological parameters and life span as compared to the EAC control mice. The present study establishes marked and dose dependant anti-tumor effect of <em>C. limetta </em>fruit peel against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma bearing Swiss mice.

Antineoplastic Activities of MT81 and Its Structural Analogue in Ehrlich Ascites Carcinoma-Bearing Swiss Albino Mice

Many fungal toxins exhibit in vitro and in vivo antineoplastic effects on various cancer cell types. Luteoskyrin, a hydroxyanthraquinone has been proved to be a potent inhibitor against Ehrlich ascites tumor cells. The comparative antitumor activity and antioxidant status of MT81 and its structural analogue [Acetic acid-MT81 (Aa-MT81)] having polyhydroxyanthraquinone structure were assessed against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC ) tumor in mice. The in vitro cytotoxicity was measured by the viability of EAC cells after direct treatment of the said compounds. In in vivo study, MT81 and its structural analogue were administered (i.p.) at the two different doses (5, 7 mg MT81; 8.93, 11.48 mg Aa-MT81/kg body weight) for 7 days after 24 hrs. of tumor inoculation. The activities were assessed using mean survival time (MST), increased life span (ILS), tumor volume, viable tumor cell count, peritoneal cell count, protein percentage and hematological parameters. Antioxidant status was determined by malondialdehyde (MDA) and reduced glutathione (GSH ) content, and by the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CA T). MT81 and its structural analogues increased the mean survival time, normal peritoneal cell count. They decreased the tumor volume, viable tumor cell count, hemoglobin percentage and packed cell volume. Differential counts of WBC, total counts of RBC & WBC that altered by EAC inoculation, were restored in a dose-dependent manner. Increased MDA and decreased GSH content and reduced activity of SOD, and catalase in EAC bearing mice were returned towards normal after the treatment of MT81 and its structural analogue. Being less toxic than parent toxin MT81, the structural analogue showed more prominent antineoplastic activities against EAC cells compared to MT81. At the same time, both compounds exhibit to some extent antioxidant potential for the EAC-bearing mice.